Gilligan's Happy Gotcha Day and the 1% chance at life
Poor boy he was scheduled for euthanization as he was elderly and had many lumps on his body . The shelter I foster for is sadly a kill shelter and they are always overwhelmed with numerous animals. They couldn't afford any medical cost. It's why I continue to foster for this shelter but only cats as I have 3 male dogs. However, the staff begged me to take the sheepie dog. I said I couldn't as I didn't think my 3 males would accept him but I could contact an OES rescue. Sadly the shelter always has to choose to let the older ones go as they have to make difficult choices usually based on finances. My soul was in turmoil as I never want to take on more than I can handle. Four male dogs..hmm didn't think it would work. I went to see this gentle soul and knew instantly he was a gem on the inside. On the outside.. Egads what a mess! Whoever had shaved him down had nicked so many of his warts he was a bloody crusty mess. I knew the "lumps" were probably old age warts as many of my previous elderly dogs had them. I didn't ask for another dog..yikes I already had three and at the time I was only going to spring him until rescue could get him as the situation at the kill shelter was dire. I also have to be responsible for all those others in my home, the ones that I adopted and as a result took on their medical cost. Okay so a lot of you remember that part. After his vet visit I was crushed as the vet discovered a mass in his mouth and due to the look and hardness of it - chances are it was probably cancer. Oral cancer spreads quickly ..so it was decided he wouldn't be going anywhere but I would give him the best three weeks of his life and I would stay with him and hold him while saying goodbyes at my vet..he didn't have to die alone in isolation at the shelter. I would give him the best three week what remained of his life. He sat immediately on his bed and was so well behaved that first night while he placed his paw on my foot and looked into my eyes. It was if he was saying 'thank you". It broke my heart and I desperately wished I had the monies for a biopsy although the vet was 99% sure it was cancer. But i kept asking..what if it wasn't? Then you guys suprised us with the paypal account and the cheques poured in. Gilligan would be given a chance even if it was only a 1% chance!!! He had the surgery June 10 of last year. IT WASN'T CANCER!!!!! It was a fibroid mass! It doesn't interfere with his eating or drinking and he was happy! It's kinda like a baby that is teething - a frozen marrow bone daily has done wonders! The vet wasn't sure if it was invasive or we could get lucky and it could be slow growing and your hips would give out before the mass became bothersome. Checkups have since shown, It appears that is the case. He has a funny gait but his bad hips are controlled with Deramaxx. Panda has bad hips too but occasionally tried to hump Gilligan as he found someone who is even more submissive than he is. Merlin protects Gilligan and got between Gilligan and Panda. Panda eventually got it that it wasn't allowed. Merlin who I was worried the most about accepting him as he's the alpha dog, loves him the best of all and looks out for him. He is so gentle with his older friend. Gilligan: You have amazed all those that have come into contact with you. You visited my high school where I work as a childcare worker with high risk students. You sat down on your bed during class time as if you've been doing it all your life. You assisted students who were part of an environmental group that visited my home for the day - were showered with love by all 15 of them and ended up on their website, I caught you kissing Daisy the cat with neurological problems the other day although I'm sure when you first arrived you thought no self respecting dog with kiss a cat! You nudge your head with Lil Girl and Asia too..I've seen it! You learned to never chase bunnies as Merlin gently taught you by bumping you away from the cage - you now are like your brothers and love them all and you especially love the little guinea pigs - one is blind , the other was elderly and came from an abused home. You seem to know these guys are all medically fragile and you have been gentle with all the other creatures in the home. You have learned to walk the garden paths and found favorite spots. You love your blankie and although we don't ask you - you wander in the family room at night and prepare for bed. Every day I look at you and so filled with love and enternally grateful that you were given a second chance. I love your smile and can see how much you enjoy life. For all those that work tirelessly raising funds for Sheepdogs in Trouble - YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE at giving dogs a second chance. Thank you from Gilligan and all those who love him. |
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| It seems that Alan Hale isn't the only one who has a little buddy named Gilligan. I learned with Bentley that rescue dogs know they're getting a second chance and make the best of it. Thankfully, you were able to make it happen for Gilligan. You're in a great class of folks who seem to thrive here. Thanks to you Mariane. I'm sure that's what Gilligan says everyday. Vance |
Lovely!!!   |
| I am so happy for Gilligan and so proud of you and our community. |
One year already - that is wonderful, Marianne!! |
| got me crying all over again been great to hear how good he is doing through the year ..you are our hero |
| Thank you so much for posting this story. It makes me once again realize how fragile life can be, but also how strong one can survive it if given the chance. I am so grateful that there are people, so many on this forum, that dedicate time and effort to help everyone realize that. Thank you. Thank you. |
| Happy Gotccha Day Gilligan! You and share the same "birthday." |
| It's so nice to be reminded of this story, I have been crying all over again too. How wonderful life can be |
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| Gilligan's story is a heartbreaker but the outcome has been wonderful, thanks once again to you. |
| Happy "Gotcha-Day" Gilligan! With so many bad things going on around us--this story with the HAPPY OUTCOME--does bring Happy TEARS! |
| HAPPY GOTCHA DAY GILLIGAN AND MARIANNE! What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it with us on Gilligan's special day (and a special one for you too Marianne). We are all happy to be able to share you just a little bit Gilligan. You are loved by so many and you have one great sheepiemom dude. Keep on smiling Little Buddy.   |
| "HAPPY GOTCHA DAY GILLIGAN " |
| Happy Gotcha Day Gilligan! |
| Happy gotcha day Gilligan!!! Much love to you! |
| Thanks to everyone for all the lovely comments and well wishes. Big yahoos and claps to all those that work tirelessly throughout the year to help dogs in need too!!  Marianne, Gilligan, Merlin, Panda and Snoop |
| Little late but not less felt...Happy Gotcha Day Gilligan!!! |
got sheep wrote: One year already - that is wonderful, Marianne!! |
| Thanks for all the cheers for Gilligan! Today bones for everyone!!! Whooo heeee! Merlin chewed his in the house/Snoop in the pet enclosure and Gilligan and Panda sat close together chewing their bones under a shady tree in the back yard. Gotta luv the old dogs! |
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